Resorcinol Acid Formula: Properties, Uses and Structure

The Resorcinol Formula, a white, crystalline, solid organic chemical with a slight odour and sweetish to bitter taste, has a chemical formula of C ₆ H ₆ O ₂ . It is soluble in water, alcohol and ether but not in chloroform or carbon disulphide. Additionally, C ₆ H ₆ O ₂ is part of the three isomeric benzenediols and specifically the 1,3-isomer of benzenediol which involves benzene hydroxylation at positions 1 and 3. Known by various names such as Resorcin, 3-Hydroxyphenol, m-Benzenediol and m-Dihydroxybenzene, the Resorcinol Formula is not naturally occurring except for trace amounts found in argan oil. Interestingly, when exposed to air and light it turns pink.As a highly reactive non-metal, Oxygen serves as an excellent oxidising agent and belongs to the chalcogen group on the periodic table. It is denoted by the symbol O and has an atomic number of 8. Hydrogen is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas with an atomic number of 1 and symbol H.

Resorcinol, or m-dihydroxybenzene, is a versatile phenolic substance utilized in the creation of a variety of materials including resins, plastics, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other organic chemical compounds. The production process involves sulfonating benzene with fuming sulfuric acid and combining it with caustic soda. Upon reaction with formaldehyde, these resins can be combined with rubber to create adhesives. Resorcinol Formula serves as a crucial intermediary in the production of dyes, explosives, medicines, photographic developers, and cosmetics. Additionally, its antifungal properties make it an effective ingredient in ointments and lotions used in medicine.

Preparation of Resorcinol

From benzene, the Resorcinol Formula crystallises as colourless needles. For the production of Resorcinol, sulfuric acid is used at 100 °C to treat benzene. To create monosulfonic acid, sulfuric acid is used. The m-disulfonic acid is converted into m-disulfonic acid at 85 °C using 65% oleum. The Resorcinol Formula and Sodium Sulphite are formed at 300 °C when m-Benzened disulfonate melts in sodium hydrox (NaOH).

Resorcinol Properties

Resorcinol Formula is a white, water-soluble chemical substance that is mainly used in resin manufacture. Among its other names are resorcin, 1,3-dihydroxybenzene, 3-hydroxyphenyl, and m-benzenediol. The Resorcinol Formula – C ₆ H ₄ (OH) ₂ – is one of three benzenediols.

Physical Properties of Resorcinol

• The solid form of resorcinol is white in color.
• There is a slight Benzene smell to it.
• The molecular weight of this compound is 110.1 g/mol.
• The melting point of this material is 110°C.
• 277°C is its boiling point.
• The density of it is 1.28

Also Check – Combined Gas Law Formula

Chemical Properties of Resorcinol

A partial hydrogenation of the Resorcinol Formula (C ₆ H ₆ O ₂ ) results in dihydro resorcinol (C ₆ H ₈ O ₂ ), also known as 1,3-cyclohexanedione.

By reducing sodium amalgam (NaHg) to dihydro resorcinol (C ₆ H ₈ O ₂ ), the Resorcinol Formula (C ₆ H ₆ O ₂ ) yields -methyl butyric acid (C ₆ H ₁₀ O ₃ ).

Resorcinol reduces Fehling's solution and ammoniacal silver solutions.

Also Check – Charles Law Formula

Resorcinol Structure

The Resorcinol Formula contains two hydroxyl groups on the benzene ring. One carbon atom separates the two hydroxyl groups.

Also Check – Bond Order Formula

Resorcinol Uses

• In addition to sensitizing, resorcinol inhibits erythropoietin production.
• Resins are made from it.
• Polymers and medicines are often made with resorcinol.
• As an intermediate, it is used in the synthesis of organic molecules.
• Acne is treated with resorcinol.
• In addition to being a disinfectant, it is also an analytical reagent.
• Resins are made from it
• Acne on the skin can be treated with it.
• It is used to produce organic chemicals and medicines as a chemical intermediary.
• All of these are plasticisers, UV absorbers, and dyes.